ABSTRACT
Ravaging undermined the economic base of the castle-owner and the morale of its garrison. The presence of a castle which could afford shelter to the defeated in battle added to the disincentives of risking men and political capital in the open field. Sieges raised great difficulties even for the major rulers of the eleventh century. Brévol castle was the object of a bitter war in Normandy under Robert Curthose, which culminated in a set-piece siege, but its capture was a great effort involving the King of France and the Duke of Normandy. The real strength of a castle was the garrison within it and their political connections beyond. However, if they were to play their part in war, castles needed to be fully prepared and garrisoned. The castle may be thought of as having a defensive role but its very construction threatened neighbours, and castles often served as bases for attack.
